Loaded Savory Donut Sushi Fries (AKA: Quarantine Fries)

When I get my food truck these are the first thing going on the menu. 

They are ridiculous. 

I made some for my nephew and he said, and I quote, "These would be awesome to eat when you are drunk." 

He's not wrong. 

They are a little over the top but that means they are perfect for celebrating? while in self isolation. I developed the recipe for a little Chopped-type food contest we are running on Facebook while everyone is dealing with Covid-19. Our ingredients were Bacon and Brown Sugar. They didn't win but I fell in love with how unusual and delicious these are. 

If you are looking for something to pass the time then look no further. Make these. Then pick a great movie, grab a beer (or a tea), put your feet up and enjoy. 

Loaded Savory Donut Sushi Fries (AKA: Quarantine Fries)

Ingredients

Savory Donut Fries

1/4 cup hot water

2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

1/4 tsp brown sugar

1/2 cup warm milk

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 egg

3 Tbsp sesame oil

1/2 cup bacon bits

2 tsp dried chives

1 jalapeno, finely diced

2 - 4 cups flour

oil for frying (about 1 liter)

Spicy Mayo

2 Tbsp mayo

2 tsp sriracha

1/4 tsp sesame oil

1/4 tsp brown sugar

Tonkatsu Sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Worcestershire

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tsp soy sauce 

Toppings

green onions, diced

toasted sesame seeds

toasted seaweed, cut into strips

bacon bits

Directions

Prepare spicy mayo - whisk together mayo, sriracha, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Cover and chill until ready to use.

Prepare tonkatsu sauce - whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Cover and chill until ready to use. 

Prepare donut fries - In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, yeast, and 1/4 tsp of brown sugar. Let sit for 5 - 8 minutes to bloom.

While yeast is blooming, in a large bowl, mix together the milk, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, salt, egg, sesame oil, bacon bits, chives, and jalapeno. 

Stir in the activated yeast. Add in flour, starting with 2 cups, until you have a stiff dough that is just a little bit tacky. Knead for 2 - 3 minutes. Add in a little more flour if dough is too sticky. (I have had to add up to 2 more cups depending on conditions)

Place dough in an oiled bowl.

Cover and let rise somewhere warm for an hour, until doubled in size. 

Roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into "fingers" about 1/2 inch wide and about 5 inches long. (I'm guesstimating as I forgot to measure.)

Place "fingers" on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and cover while you heat oil for frying. They should rest for about 30ish minutes. 

Heat oil in a large pot to 350 degrees. It's best to use a thermometer to ensure even cooking. 

Carefully place fries in hot oil 5 - 6 at a time (don't crowd the pot the oil will drop in temperature). Cook for 1 minute and then flip over and cook 1 more minute. 

Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked donut fries and place on paper towel to drain any excess grease. Repeat until all fries have been cooked. 

Prepare your toppings.

Place donut fries on serving trays.

Top with the spicy mayo and the tonkatsu sauce.

And then sprinkle generously with the green onions, sesame seeds, seaweed strips, and bacon. 

Serve immediately. 

You can add as much sauce and toppings as you like. You can even serve extra sauce for dipping!

Depending on how spicy you like things, you can also top with some sliced jalapeno too!

The donut fries freeze quite well. You can make them up, freeze them, and then just pop in the oven to thaw when ready to enjoy. 

What I loved best about these is how different they are. I'm going to be experimenting more with savory donut dishes. Deep fried bread? Sign me up.